Do you think they will ever lower the deposit amount to something reasonable like $5 or $10k? I would love to order one but unless they are going to pay me 7% interest while using my money then I will not be putting a deposit down on one. Heck they can even make it a $5k non-refundable deposit.
That makes no sense unless you assume the car is more than 18 months away. At 18 months, you break even between the two scenarios you described.
Have you seen Tesla’s track record on timelines? I don’t think we will see it for another 2 years, possibly a 2021-22model.
Yes they will eventually mass produce these so I am sure they will lower the deposit to $5 or $10k. They want to sell more and the way to do that is via financing with low enough down payments. Tesla is not in a position to make a limited edition vehicle. They need money.
I agree. I don't expect to see any cars in 2020. But to the OP's question - I think it would have to be viewed as a pretty bad sign if Tesla dropped the deposit before delivering any cars. Would be seen as a cash grab. Not that they're above that. . .
Realistically, if something were to happen to Tesla and the Roadster doesn't happen, would we get our deposits back?
You pay your money and you take your chances. The way I see it, if you can afford to own a $200K car, losing $50K due to some unexpected circumstances is not going to be the end of your world.
Seems highly unlikely that Tesla completely folds. Someone would take it on along with the obligations. If it were to go thru restructuring I'd expect we'd be amongst the creditors - not a great position at all. But again, far fetched.
You would be an unsecured creditor. Basically last in line! I know first hand. Look up eclipse bankruptcy.
No deposit until release date is fixed. $50k over the last year became $56k based on my most basic index fund, and most of my investments have done much better. No way I'm giving up thousands of dollars to get it 6 months earlier. That is a lot of wine!
I'd love to know what you all do, to be able to afford a 50k pre-order down payment on a 200k car. Then I will happily try to enter your field of work.